The value of a compliment

It sounds obvious, now I come to write it, but praise is a wonderful thing. Allow me to explain: I have entered a profession where I produce and sell something that is easier to sell than anything else I can think of. I sell people their own children. Or pets, or self confidence… As a consequence, I get instant feedback. And praise.

I don’t know about you, but I grew up at a time when children weren’t particularly praised, for fear of “spoiling” them by making them big-headed. So my inbuilt response to someone praising my work is to redden slightly, maybe even try to point out where it could be improved (I’m such a great business woman!).

Recently, though, I’ve noticed a change. Perhaps because I’ve been working so much, and everyone has been pleased with what I’ve done, I find that I’m less inclined to instantly mitigate compliments and am actually relaxing into it, allowing myself to enjoy the warm glow that a compliment evokes, if only you let it.

I don’t think I’m becoming big-headed, 😉 but even I can see that I’m improving all the time. If any of my lovely customers are reading this, then THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. Your appreciation of what I do means so much to me, spurs me on to improve and experiment, and has made me very, very happy.

So, who’s up for a project50 challenge? It’s easy – just find someone to genuinely compliment every day for a week and watch their reaction. I guarantee you’ll up the happiness quotient of seven people!